Riyan Parag has been fined 25% of his match fee after being caught vaping inside the dressing room during an IPL match. The BCCI treated it as a Level 1 offence, with no suspension.
What exactly happened in the dressing room?
The incident came to light through broadcast visuals during Rajasthan Royals’ chase against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur. Cameras picked up Parag appearing to use a vape inside the dressing room around the 16th over, with teammates nearby.
The timing and setting immediately drew attention. Dressing rooms are considered controlled environments, and any activity that breaches conduct norms especially on live broadcast is scrutinised. Was it a moment of poor judgement or a casual act that crossed the line? Either way, the visibility of the act made it difficult to ignore.
Which rules were applied and why no ban?
The BCCI charged Parag under Article 2.1 read with Article 2.21 of the Code of Conduct a clause used for behaviour that brings the game into disrepute but isn’t specifically defined elsewhere.
Since there is no explicit provision dealing with smoking or vaping inside dressing rooms, match officials leaned on this broader clause. The offence was classified as Level 1, the least severe category, which typically results in a fine rather than a suspension.
But should the absence of a specific rule reduce the seriousness of the act? Given that e-cigarettes are banned under Indian law, does this fall into a wider grey area that cricket authorities need to address more clearly?
A pattern of lapses for Rajasthan Royals?
This is not the first time Rajasthan Royals have been pulled up this season. Earlier, a team official was penalised for using a phone in the dugout, another breach of match protocol.
Two incidents in quick succession raise a broader concern: are teams fully aligned with operational rules during matches? And does repeated minor misconduct point to gaps in internal discipline?
Parag is expected to accept the fine and move on, but the episode leaves open questions not just about individual responsibility, but about how strictly teams adhere to regulations in high-pressure environments.